Bus Lane PCN, Leeds City Centre

[Graye]

On 5th June I was in Leeds, my first visit. Due to a big accident on the M1 I was over two hours late for an appointment and arrived in the midst of rush hour. I followed my satnav to arrive at the address I needed and apparently, although I have no recollection of this, drove in a bus lane. It must have been for a very short distance and probably in a line of other traffic as I do not recall ANY signs.

On receiving the notice I wrote explaining the situation and asked them to confirm that both the notice and the road markings fully comply with regulations. I was apparently in Boar Lane at the time.

Their reply states they that they have rejected my representations as I was filmed driving in a clearly marked bus lane. Firstly I had not actually made representations as such - just asked for information, and secondly the photo they sent seems to me to show the markings are very faded at the place the photograph of my car was taken. They have sent quite a few more photos of the route and I must admit I don't recognise it at all. The roads were VERY congested at that point and I definitely don't recall any circumstances where I drove into a bus lane.

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether the signs are FULLY compliant in that area of Leeds? Their letter is dated 9 July 2014 but they then mention a "date of service" of the notice as 14 July 2014, ie 3 days hence. Is this correct?

I can't decide whether to think I have probably had £30 worth of amusement from this already and pay up the £30 or whether to pursue things further. I certainly won't be going to Leeds again whatever the outcome!